Hiker 200

At BlackWolf, we’re committed to providing reliable, high-quality gear for your adventures. That’s why our sleeping bags undergo rigorous testing to meet International Standards, ensuring you’re equipped for any conditions you encounter.

Understanding temperature ratings is essential for selecting the right sleeping bag. These ratings provide a solid guideline, but remember, your overall comfort will also depend on factors like your sleeping pad, clothing, and the specific weather conditions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three temperature ratings you’ll find across our range:

• Comfort Temperature: This is the lower limit at which a user can relax, lying on their back, and still feel warm. It's designed for optimal comfort during your adventures.
• Limit Temperature: This indicates the minimum temperature at which a user, curled up for warmth, can remain in thermal equilibrium without feeling cold. It’s perfect for those chilly nights under the stars.
• Extreme Temperature: This rating signifies the very low temperatures where there’s a risk of hypothermia. While we strive to keep you safe, we advise using this rating with caution and proper preparation.

Our expert team encourages you to choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the coldest conditions you expect. For adventures during the cooler months, look for bags specifically designed to handle the lower temperatures you’re expecting

Choosing between down and synthetic insulation for your sleeping bag is an important decision.

Let’s break it down!

Down Insulation:

• Loved by hiking and camping enthusiasts for their fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Typically pricier, but their performance can make them worth it. A higher loft (measure of “fluffiness”) means better warmth retention with less material.
• A higher loft also allows for easier packing and less bulk.
• Features like baffle placement helps to distribute down more evenly and prevent cold spots, keeping you cosy all night.
• One downside - Down doesn’t handle wet conditions well, so keep that in mind if rain is in the forecast for your travels.

Synthetic Insulation:

• Modern synthetic fills have evolved to better mimic down, making them a reliable alternative. BlackWolf sleeping bags feature a range of high-quality synthetic fills, including Clusterloft — a premium down alternative — alongside Powerloft and bonded fibres, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather.
• Generally, synthetic bags are more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice if you’re looking for value.
• They perform well in wet conditions, making them ideal for adventures where you might encounter moisture.

Quick Summary:

• Down: Best warmth-to-weight ratio, higher loft = more warmth and easier packing, but can be pricier and struggles in wet conditions.
• Synthetic: More affordable, wet-weather friendly, great if you don’t need to pack light.

Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting out, choosing the right sleeping bag insulation is all about matching your gear to your adventures. Happy exploring!

Washing a Synthetic-Filled Sleeping Bag

Taking care of your synthetic-filled sleeping bag will help it last longer and stay in top condition for all your adventures. Here’s how to wash it properly:

• Hand Washing: You can hand wash your synthetic sleeping bag just like a down bag to keep it in great shape.
• Machine Washing: If you prefer to use a machine, only use a large front-loading washer. Wash on a gentle cycle with a specialist sleeping bag soap or a mild, non-detergent soap.
• Avoid Top Loaders: Never wash your sleeping bag in a top-loading machine with an agitator—this can damage your bag.
• Drying: Air drying is the best way to dry your bag. Synthetic bags dry faster than down and are less fragile when wet, but still take care to support it while it’s damp. Lay it flat to dry, ensuring it keeps its shape.

Always check the care label for specific instructions to keep your sleeping bag in the best possible condition. Following the right steps will ensure it’s ready for your next adventure!

Washing a Down-Filled Sleeping Bag

Proper care of your down-filled sleeping bag will help maintain its performance and longevity, ensuring it stays warm, lofty, and ready for your next adventure. Here’s how to clean it with care:

• Use the Right Soap: Pick up a specialist down cleaner from your local camping store or use a mild, non-detergent soap to keep the down in top shape.
• Timing Matters: Washing your down bag is best done during warm, low-humidity weather, as it will take several days to dry completely.
• Washing Process: Fill your bath or laundry tub with warm water, enough to fully submerge your sleeping bag. Add a small amount of soap, then gently massage the water through the bag. Let it soak for a while. Afterward, drain the water and refill with clean water, massaging it through to rinse out the soap. You’ll need to rinse at least three times until the water runs clear.
• Press & Lift Carefully: Once the rinse water is clear, drain the tub and gently press the bag to squeeze out excess water. Carefully fold the bag into a bundle and lift it out—don’t let any part of the bag hang down, as the wet down is delicate and can damage the baffles that keep the down in place.
• Drying: Lay the bag flat in a warm space and allow it to dry completely. Gently massage the down occasionally to break up any clumps and restore its loft.

Always check the care label for specific instructions to keep your sleeping bag in the best possible condition. Following the right steps will ensure it’s ready for your next adventure!